Types of Disabilities in Chapel Hill
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Chapel Hill, affecting 1,865 residents (3.2% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,306 | 2.2% |
| Vision difficulty | 744 | 1.2% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,865 | 3.2% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,541 | 2.7% |
| Self-care difficulty | 621 | 1.1% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,427 | 2.8% |
Need Help Filing in North Carolina?
- Average wait time: 199 days
- Initial approval rate: 37%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Chapel Hill, 43.6% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 3.4% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 241 | 3.4% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,134 | 4.2% |
| 18 to 64 | 998 | 6.2% |
| 65 to 74 | 734 | 17.4% |
| 75 and over | 1,355 | 43.6% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,866 | 6.7% |
| Female | 2,628 | 8.3% |
Women in Chapel Hill have a higher disability rate (8.3%) compared to men (6.7%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 3,044 | 7.7% |
| Black or African American | 880 | 13.5% |
| Asian | 217 | 2.8% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 364 | 8.3% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Chapel Hill's median household income of $85,825 is above the county median ($81,214) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 6.6%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill residents in Dare County apply for SSDI through North Carolina's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 37% |
| Hearing approval rate | 62% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 199 days |
With an initial approval rate of 37% in North Carolina and an average wait of 199 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our North Carolina disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Chapel Hill
If you live in Chapel Hill and believe you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits:
Online
Apply at ssa.gov/applyfordisability - available 24/7.
By Phone
Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday-Friday, 8 AM-7 PM.
In Person
Visit your local Social Security office. Find the nearest at secure.ssa.gov/ICON.
If you think you might qualify for benefits, working with a disability advocate can really help your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people in Chapel Hill have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 4,494 residents of Chapel Hill, North Carolina have at least one disability, representing 7.5% of the population of 59,639.
What is the most common disability type in Chapel Hill?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 1,865 residents (3.2%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in North Carolina?
The initial SSDI approval rate in North Carolina is approximately 37%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 62%. Average processing time is 199 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Chapel Hill?
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. Many applicants benefit from working with a disability lawyer.
What is the median income in Chapel Hill?
The median household income in Chapel Hill is $85,825.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Dare County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
Answer a few quick questions to see if you may be eligible for SSDI or SSI. It takes about 2 minutes and it is completely free.
Sources & Methodology
All data for Chapel Hill is compiled from official government sources.
- U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table S1810 (Disability Characteristics), 2023
- U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table DP03 (Selected Economic Characteristics), 2023
- Social Security Administration - SSI Recipients by State and County, 2024
- Social Security Administration - SSDI approval and processing data, Fiscal Year 2024